On the opening drive of the second half, Gubrud hit a wide-open Zach Eagle for a 34-yard touchdown pass to cut WSU's lead to 28-17.

Minshew completed seven consecutive passes as the Cougars drove from their 1 to the EWU 8. Williams covered that distance for his third touchdown and a 35-17 lead.

Gubrud replied with a 44-yard touchdown pass to Dennis Merritt to bring the Eagles within 35-24.

Gubrud was intercepted late in the third by Jahad Woods, giving the Cougars possession on Eastern's 27. But they had to settle for Blake Mazza's 44-yard field goal.

Minshew hit Martin with a 21-yard touchdown pass for a 45-24 lead with 9:47 left in the game and the Eagles did not threaten again.

THE TAKEAWAY

Eastern Washington: Coming into this game, the Eagles had won three of their past eight games against FBS opponents. They clearly belonged on the field with the Cougars for most of this game.

Washington State: Washington State's Air Raid offense gave the Cougars an early lead the Eagles could not overcome. Leach said his team played well in all three phases of the game. "We played kind of a complete game," Leach said.

ARE WE THERE YET?

Washington State had drives of 99 and 98 yards in the game.

BEVY OF RECEIVERS

In addition to Martin, Washington State's Jamire Calvin caught six passes for 70 yards. Winston caught six passes for 42 yards and Dezmon Patmon caught five for 57.

GAUGING GAGE

Gubrud had a huge game against the Cougars in 2016, throwing for five touchdowns and running for another. This time not so much. He completed just 14 of 36 passes for 231 yards. Zach Eagle caught four of the passes for 73 yards.